I’m Concerned About Some YouTube Ads Although I Marvel at the Platform’s Value

Unless significant changes are implemented regarding commercial advertisements, this generation may encounter serious financial and health challenges.

Purpose of the Article and Context

As a technologist, I've long appreciated Google's exceptional services, particularly YouTube, which has revolutionized content creation and distribution. I'm thankful for its contributions to society.

YouTube has democratized access to knowledge while providing entertainment. Its educational offerings are noteworthy, making it a valuable resource for both creators and viewers. This has motivated me to launch a YouTube channel and a specialized publication to promote writers and enhance their visibility through video content.

The platform continually enhances consumer experiences; for instance, its recent removal of dislike counts has been a positive change, as discussed in my article titled Finally, It Is the End of Dislike Attacks on YouTube.

However, as a dedicated user, I see a significant issue regarding the consumption of certain content, particularly misleading commercial advertisements that can exploit vulnerable audiences.

What is the Real Problem?

Some may wonder what issues arise on such a remarkable platform as YouTube. Yet, like all good things, it faces a growing problem—misleading advertisements that can deceive inexperienced and overly optimistic consumers.

While I lack insider knowledge about the criteria for ad selection on YouTube, I have serious concerns that I wish to express in this article, albeit at a high level.

Since the pandemic began, I've spent more time on YouTube, discovering content that aligns with my interests. I've encountered remarkable creators and enriching material. Since I don't subscribe to YouTube Premium, I view ads as informative, and I have no issue with their presence.

Since March 2020, I've noticed ads in every video. While the overall quality of these ads is high and many are engaging, I am troubled by certain ads that are blatantly misleading and potentially fraudulent. Although I cannot detail every problematic ad, I will outline my primary concerns.

It may not be feasible to vet every advertisement for accuracy, but some are so overtly deceptive that Google has issued alerts regarding scams. Nonetheless, these ads remain prevalent on YouTube.

Scams are Skyrocketing

I would like to highlight a few examples.

One advertisement impersonates a famous wealthy individual. Following the false content quickly revealed it as a scam.

Many ads promote affiliate marketing schemes. As someone interested in affiliate marketing, I investigated these ads, only to find that they were scams promoting worthless products.

The ads appeared credible enough to mislead even an experienced affiliate marketer like myself. They often feature enticing return policies, but many do not honor them.

For instance, I purchased a low-cost program based on a return promise, only to find it utterly ineffective. When I attempted to return it, they refused, leaving me scammed despite my experience.

Other concerning ads pertain to stock market and Forex trading. Upon investigation, I noted discrepancies between the advertised offers and the actual products.

Inexperienced young individuals may fall for these misleading promises, wasting time and money. Even worse, they could lose trust in legitimate businesses due to these scams.

My aim is to raise awareness among consumers about the risks posed by ads that seem too good to be true.

For example, certain stock trading or cryptocurrency advertisements claim users can earn thousands daily with minimal effort using a single app or bot. This portrayal implies that purchasing the app will lead to instant wealth.

Is this feasible? It is not. Yet, these ads present emotional narratives, showcasing people acquiring luxury cars and homes within a month, targeting young audiences eager for easy income.

I see two generational challenges here. First, these ads psychologically exploit younger consumers. Second, they pose risks to older individuals who may not grasp the technology as the younger generation does.

I've encountered similar sentiments from other writers who believe a significant portion of YouTube ads are scams. While I can't confirm an exact percentage, it aligns with my observations.

Other misleading advertisements promote health, fitness, and lifestyle products. Some claim to enable rapid weight loss or cure severe ailments without lifestyle changes.

Some ads are so exaggerated that they border on the absurd, showcasing individuals losing extensive weight and resolving skin issues in just a month.

Such misleading advertisements shape the perceptions of younger generations, instilling the idea that effortless wealth can be obtained through simple apps or bots.

Upon reviewing some of these bots, I found they operate as nothing more than spam generators that could backfire on users.

What is the Solution?

As a pragmatic technologist, I recognize the complexity of this issue, given YouTube's vast global reach. I also believe that Google is striving to eliminate harmful content.

Thus, I propose a twofold solution.

First, YouTube should prioritize the swift removal of misleading ads. Given the vast number of videos and ads, this may take time.

I am uncertain if there is an effective reporting mechanism for harmful ads, as I have yet to find one. If such a system exists, it should be clear so that informed consumers can assist Google by reporting deceptive content, similar to the excellent reporting system in Gmail that I've utilized for years.

If no such mechanism exists, it is high time for Google to implement one. I doubt I’m the first to suggest this, but it is important to document for awareness and action.

The second approach involves educating consumers to avoid falling into these traps, which is the primary aim of this article.

Raising consumer awareness is vital in the digital landscape. Certain ads pose significant risks, especially for young people lacking market knowledge and older individuals who may not be tech-savvy.

Parents should monitor their children's YouTube viewing habits, as kids frequently watch videos without access to YouTube Premium.

Conclusions and Takeaways

YouTube serves as an excellent platform for empowering creators worldwide and democratizing content creation. However, vigilance is essential regarding commercial advertisements to maintain our well-being.

The repercussions of misleading ads can extend beyond financial loss, potentially affecting physical and mental health, particularly among children and young adults.

The key takeaway is that if an advertisement appears too good to be true, it likely is, and one should approach it with skepticism.

Additionally, a societal concern arises with YouTube videos and deepfake technologies, which I addressed in my article titled Let’s Talk About Dangers of Deep Fake Technologies, Causing Grief: A viewpoint and informed approach to address this double-edged sword that poses critical risks for individuals and society.

I believe some commercial videos may exploit deepfake technology, making them even more persuasive. Thus, we need to be extra cautious with such overly promising videos that could mislead us.

Thank you for engaging with my thoughts. I hope for your continued health and happiness.

I would appreciate your insights regarding YouTube advertisements and any potential solutions to this societal dilemma.

If you have read or written similar articles, please share them in the comments section. Let’s collaboratively raise awareness for our generation.